#17936
Mentioned in 2 episodes
On Exactitude in Science
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Book •
Jorge Luis Borges's "On Exactitude in Science" is a short story exploring the relationship between maps and the territories they represent.
It satirizes the pursuit of perfect representation, showing how an obsession with detail can lead to absurdity.
The story follows the evolution of cartography in a fictional empire, where maps become increasingly detailed until they reach the size of the empire itself.
Ultimately, this perfect map proves useless, highlighting the limitations of literal representation and the importance of abstraction.
The story's themes resonate with discussions about knowledge, reality, and the nature of representation.
It satirizes the pursuit of perfect representation, showing how an obsession with detail can lead to absurdity.
The story follows the evolution of cartography in a fictional empire, where maps become increasingly detailed until they reach the size of the empire itself.
Ultimately, this perfect map proves useless, highlighting the limitations of literal representation and the importance of abstraction.
The story's themes resonate with discussions about knowledge, reality, and the nature of representation.
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Mentioned in 2 episodes
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Linus Lee
101 snips
24: Linus Lee - Engineering for Aliveness
Mentioned by Will Self as an inspiration for his writing, particularly in the use of short stories as vehicles for ideas.
Will Self reads 'On Exactitude in Science' by Jorge Luis Borges
